First responders don’t deserve today’s abusive language

Published: Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at 04:20 PM.

You may recall during the Times-News’ to first responders on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I also wrote a letter to the editor praising their mission, goals and self-sacrifice.

However, some may miss the true day-to-day sacrifice our police officers face. A case in point concerns a young officer who responded to a call and was literally verbally slathered with profanity by a black man and his wife. Their language with him, not at him, was pure “word vomit.” I asked the officer why he didn’t stop them and his response was their right to the freedom of speech and there was nothing he could do about it. He did contact his supervisor to de-escalate the situation.

Before outcries of why I noted that this was a black man and woman, the words I heard these people use are prevalent in the violent hip-hop lingo and basically mimic the racial cry: “As long as white folks have guns, black folk are going to have records.” Sorry, but there is a devilish element of human beings out there like this.

A breeze of humanity and light preceded the authoritative arrival of the officer’s supervisor, Sgt. Isley. She was a magnificently intelligent woman, masterful in her steps and determined to handle the matter. She educated us on the “new outlaw” behavior of citizens which is basically rudeness to law enforcement and other decent law-abiding citizens. In her years of service, she has seen a decline in respect for authority by adults toward other adults and law enforcement officers. She added they can’t even respond when a citizen flips them “the bird!”

I applaud Sgt. Isley and her Chief Jeffrey Smythe for having her on board. She is the exemplary officer that should not only continue to supervise but should join the chief in promoting education on this “new rudeness” so that both citizens and first responders can above all protect themselves. The Burlington City Council, Chief Smythe and any other citizens should join in encouraging the honoring of this truly heroic woman and unafraid law enforcement supervisor. Thank you Sgt. Isley for your service to Burlington!

KAREN MEBANEBurlington

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You may recall during the Times-News’ to first responders on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I also wrote a letter to the editor praising their mission, goals and self-sacrifice.

However, some may miss the true day-to-day sacrifice our police officers face. A case in point concerns a young officer who responded to a call and was literally verbally slathered with profanity by a black man and his wife. Their language with him, not at him, was pure “word vomit.” I asked the officer why he didn’t stop them and his response was their right to the freedom of speech and there was nothing he could do about it. He did contact his supervisor to de-escalate the situation.

Before outcries of why I noted that this was a black man and woman, the words I heard these people use are prevalent in the violent hip-hop lingo and basically mimic the racial cry: “As long as white folks have guns, black folk are going to have records.” Sorry, but there is a devilish element of human beings out there like this.

A breeze of humanity and light preceded the authoritative arrival of the officer’s supervisor, Sgt. Isley. She was a magnificently intelligent woman, masterful in her steps and determined to handle the matter. She educated us on the “new outlaw” behavior of citizens which is basically rudeness to law enforcement and other decent law-abiding citizens. In her years of service, she has seen a decline in respect for authority by adults toward other adults and law enforcement officers. She added they can’t even respond when a citizen flips them “the bird!”

I applaud Sgt. Isley and her Chief Jeffrey Smythe for having her on board. She is the exemplary officer that should not only continue to supervise but should join the chief in promoting education on this “new rudeness” so that both citizens and first responders can above all protect themselves. The Burlington City Council, Chief Smythe and any other citizens should join in encouraging the honoring of this truly heroic woman and unafraid law enforcement supervisor. Thank you Sgt. Isley for your service to Burlington!